| Project Detail |
Training experts for the advancement of solid-state batteries Battery technology is crucial to worldwide efforts to transition to renewable and sustainable energy and combat climate change. It is also vital for making electric vehicles viable and improving the efficiency of devices and machinery. However, despite their importance, battery production cycles are harmful to the environment and often unethical, making the development of novel solutions crucial for reducing these problems. With the support of the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions programme, the PaSS project aims to broaden Dr Cristian Mendes-Felipe’s skills and knowledge in UV-curable materials, battery assembly, and the roles of different materials and interfaces in ionic transport. The ultimate goal is to use this knowledge to advance solid-state battery technology. Solid-state batteries can surpass the current Li-ion technology in terms of energy density, battery safety, specific power, as well as fast-charging capability. According to the “Recommendations on energy storage” of the European Commission, the development of next-generation batteries is a high priority. In this context, this project proposes novel cross-disciplinary approaches empowered by digital technologies that can accelerate research on the next generations of safe and high-performing batteries. The project presents three main goals: (a) train the young researcher Dr. Cristian Mendes-Felipe, in the design, development and optimisation of UV-curable materials with tailored made properties, including self-healing capabilities to develop solid-state electrolytes (SSEs); (b) assemble those SSEs in a battery, and (c) understand the role of materials and interfaces (hybrid materials interfaces and solid electrolyte/electrode interfaces) in the ionic transport in order to unravel a possible kinetic mechanism in solid-state batteries. The combination of photopolymerization technique of different materials containing ionic conductors with the in-situ analysis of the ongoing battery state envisage not only improve the cutting-edge technology of solid-state energy storage obtain a fundamental understanding of the SSEs structures. During his short research career, the fellow has gained expertise in the fabrication of nanostructured and composite photocurable materials, acquiring hands-on experience with both structural and electronic characterization techniques. Nonetheless, to further boost his career, the fellow needs to broaden his knowledge in the field of energy-storage at BCMaterials, to complement the already known characterization techniques with new ones and with computer simulations and modelling. This project will also increase his supervision experience, project and intellectual property management expertise, and research funding and proposal writing skills. |
